Aviation Specials Magazine Scale Modelling: Dioramas Édition spéciale

One of the great privileges of working within the hobby magazine industry is seeing mere styrene turned into lifelike miniatures of real aircraft, ships and military vehicles… but none more so than those placed into a diorama/vignette.

What I admire most, regardless of whether an aftermarket or scratch-built background/base is used, is the skill displayed when natural and man-made objects are reproduced in scale form, and how they are blended with the model and/or figures. Of course, this brings forth a quandary… what exactly is a diorama? There are many definitions, and variations at competitions, but for the purposes of this bookazine, it covers one or more subjects incorporated into the surroundings and serving as a focal point (of which there may be several) for the viewer. Figures aren’t always required, but where they are present, they add an extra dimension, whether it’s an element of tension, or perhaps humour.

Here, Airfix Model World contributors explain and illustrate how they achieved the various effects on their dioramas. If there’s a common theme running through these pages, it’s that you don’t have to splurge on the latest accessories… sometimes it’s just as easy to find materials in the garden or on the driveway.

Inspiration for these projects came from many sources, but a key factor is planning, and that aspect shines through in every scenario. Even if you’re not into dioramas, or the vehicles depicted, there’s plenty to otherwise tempt you, from finishing and weathering techniques, to handy tips on painting figures; hopefully everything is here to get those creative juices flowing!

Stu Fone, Editor